As of November 17, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is looking exceptionally promising, especially with the cooler weather setting in. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect today.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 48°F and a low of 38°F. There is a light breeze out of the northwest at about 5 mph. Since Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake, tidal reports are not applicable, but water levels are currently stable.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 4:14 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing trips.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a lot of activity from cold-water species. Trout, particularly lake trout and rainbow trout, were very active. Salmon, both landlocked and coho, were also biting well. Walleye and bass were also caught in decent numbers.

### Catch Reports
Anglers reported catching several lake trout in the 3-5 pound range, with some larger ones up to 7 pounds. Salmon catches ranged from 2-4 pounds. Walleye were mostly in the 1-3 pound range, and bass were generally smaller, around 1-2 pounds.

### Best Lures and Bait
For trout and salmon, using spoons like the Len Thompson or Blue Fox Vibrax, and flashers with dodgers have been very effective. Live bait such as smelt and shiners are also working well. For walleye, jigging with minnows or using crankbaits that mimic baitfish have been successful. Bass anglers have had luck with soft plastics and small jigs.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is the area around the Palisades and Slack Line, where the structure and drop-offs are attracting a lot of fish. Another good spot is the northern part of the lake near the Champlain Bridge, where the deeper waters are holding trout and salmon.

Overall, it's a great time to be out on Lake Champlain, with plenty of fish to target and favorable weather conditions. Make sure to dress warmly and enjoy the beautiful fall scenery while you're out there.